Sunday, August 30, 2009

Just a quick post. I saw this sketch and thought it would be a good one to use for my friend's son's birthday (yes another one, LOL). I have never had a go at a 'Taylored Expressions' challenge before and this is #80. Its about time, I say. You can find her blog here.

I was quite happy with this card -

I've used retired SU DSP, I love the colours in it for kids. I've used the engine stamp from the 'Choo Choo' set (this is such a cute stamp set) and the matching track which is a wheel stamp. I added the 'look who's turning' stamp from the 'On Your Birthday' set. I like this stamp cause you can write in any age. I hope the style of the card prevents it from being too 'young' for a big boy of 6!

In my June holidays I created a new area to to stamp in and to store my (extensive amount of) stamping supplies . I have a room that I created from part of my garage where I make body products & candles, & my stamping stuff was there too. However it was getting terribly disorganised and made it hard to actually do any of my hobbies. Also, as you would have figured out by now, I am still at the stage where I either CASE card ideas or use challenges to kick of the creative process. Thus I thought that moving my stamping stuff into my study, & near my computer, would work well.

It took about a week all up. I painted a bookcase that was in my shed and had to borrow a mate's drill as mine was too 'whoosey' to drill through the brick. i am pretty proud of the results as it is all done by 'girl power'. Here's some pics of the process:

The hardest part was drilling the holes & getting the brackets straight. Very hard for one person. They seem pretty straight if you don't look too closely (the pic makes them look even more crooked than they actually are, LOL).

I had this desk in the other room. It was a bit of a struggle to get it into the study as I have a built-in robe & a large bookcase that left a gap that was just too small. Some creative maneuvering got us there though (Mum helped me with this, thanks Mum xox!). I use the pull-out keyboard shelf to hold my paper trimmer & 'stampin-scrub'.

I already owned the rails that I've used to store the punches, I had them lying around waiting to be used in my 'factory' as Mum calls my body stuff room. I pinched them for my punches as it is such a great way to store them. I own 27 SU punches and 12 from other companies, and that doesn't include the 'crop-a-dile'. I think my punch habit is a result of too many years doing decoupage, I am now over cutting things out!

Here's the final result. It works so well. My computer desk is on the opposite wall. I think this is why I've had a go at more challenges of late. It is so much better to have the challenge on the screen while I look through my supplies, and the space makes it so easy to access supplies and create. All I need now is a brain that can come up with its own ideas, but I'm not holding my breath!

Congrats if you made it right to the end, it was a long one. Must go & have a cuppa and face the day. I am back at work tonight, thus the late start to the day.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

I had a bit of a card making spree last week and made a few Dad's Day cards (it is the first Sunday in September in Aus).

I totally CASEd this 'Totally Tool' card. I just loved it but I can't find the source anywhere. I have searched Splitcoast and googled. I downloaded the pic before I figured out how to save by creator's name. If anyone recognises it, please let me know. The original used 'Baja Breeze' as the co-ordinating colour. I made one with Baja & this one with "Riding Hood Red". The DSP is from the Hostess Gift pack of mixed papers, this is "Basic Gray". The background is 'Sanded' and the main image uses a retired stamp set 'For Father'. it was a lovely set, I'm not sure why it was retired.

This next one is a remake of the one I made here, which was a CASE of this one on Splitcoast. I used the 'Windsor Knot' DSP as it has quite a masculine feel. I stamped the images from the 'Totally Tool' set only I used Marker Pens so I could avoid the sentiments. This makes it even more versatile. The Father's day sentiment is from 'Occasional Greetings'. I used my much loved wide Chocolate Chip Grosgrain and two of the Jumbo Brads (from the current mini-cat). I think it is sufficiently 'blokey'.

I had some fun this week. My front door handle has been getting stiffer and hard to turn over the last few weeks and the other night it seized up altogether. It was rather annoying as the side passage of my unit is very narrow and retained down, a bit dicey at night. Anyway Mum & Dad came over yesterday and Dad, bless him, fitted a new door knob set while Mum & I wrapped Christmas & b'day gifts for my brother & his family. (To say thanks, I baked some 'date & lemon' scones. The recipe is from the Masterchef TV show and is available on their website. They are very yummy). I must say, it is fabulous to be able to use my front door again. Thanks Dad!!!

My mission for today was meant to be tidying the stamping side of my study so i better get on with it before the day is totally gone, though maybe I could just have a cuppa and a scone first...

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

This is a gorgeous sketch, must keep a copy of it as I think I'll use it again. It is another challenge from the fabulous Keesh, who sadly is hobbling around with a very sore foot. (Get better soon Keesh!!!)

Here is the sketch:

And here is my card:

I went with a Christmas theme as I have to post my brother's family's Christmas gifts this week (they live in Russia) and needed a card to include. I cracked open some new goodies for this card. I love this 'Ski Slope' paper from the Spring mini. I inked up the "Christ is Born" stamp for the first time, as I also did with the 'Tree Trimming' stamp (also from the mini, there is so much to love in this little catalogue!). I used grosgrain Riding Hood Red ribbon and the new Jumbo Brads (need I say...). The red flower and little flower stamps are from the 'Season of Joy' stamp set (this one is actually from the IB&C).

I love this colour combo of Riding Hood Red, baja Breeze, Old Olive & Choc Chip and I'm really pleased with how this card turned out.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Just a quick post. Have been making some Dad's Day cards to , hopefully, sell to the girls at work. I'll show you the first two.

This first one is a Father's day version of the b'day card I showed you here. I used the beer mug from the 'Cheers to You' set, white embossing it (which i seemed to have terrible trouble with today, ? due to the dry air). I used the now retired 'outlaw' DSP.

I was really happy with this next one. I totally CASEd it from this card on Splitcoast, only I used 'Crystal Effects' for the foam and no glitter. The Father's day sentiment is from the 'Occasional Greetings' stamp set. It is a great set with really useful sentiments. Also, I've ordered some more of this Chocolate Chip ribbon, I really like it.

I better go & get ready for work (tea is probably burning as I type, LOL).

Thursday, August 20, 2009

I still haven't gone to bed. I was 'blurfing' (blog surfing) when i saw this card by Sharlene. I really liked the sketch she used, which is by the Mojo Monday crew. To celebrate their 100th challenge they are putting up a different sketch every day. Visit their blog to check it out. (Also, while we're on the subject of this Mojo sketch, check out this card by Amy Fleming, it is simply gorgeous!!!)

This yesterday's sketch:

I had another sheet of acetate that I'd stamped earlier, inking another of my PTI 'Tea for Two' teapots with the new white Stazon ink, attempting Keesh's Inspiration Challenge #11 (see previous post here). I decided this would be a nice sketch layout for a second attempt. So here is the, rather hurriedly put together, outcome:

I like it better than my previous attempt. Now I really must go & have a nap at least.

Just a quick post as I'm seriously sleep deprived. I've had a go at Keesh's latest challenge. Go here to check it out & find links to the other entries. As you can see by the photo, its a bit of a tough one.

I decided to go with the theme and colours. I chose 'Close to Cocoa' & 'Very Vanilla'. I also wanted to get a sense of the glass splash back. As such, I decided to use the new white Stazon ink (yep, another Spring Mini item) on acetate. I used my PTI teapot stamp to echo the kitchen theme. It didn't quite turn out like it looked in my head (my cards rarely do) and if I had more time I'd have another go. As it is, I know a young lady having a Kitchen Tea soon, so this might do as the card, though I think I'll re-do the background. If I get time to do it today I'll re-post it.

Monday, August 17, 2009

This first one is for a mate who's a builder. I CASEd it from this one on Splitcoast. It takes about 5 minutes to make, stamping with Chocolate Chip ink on Kraft CS. I just think I should've stamped the sentiment onto Baja Breeze CS.

This second one is also very simple. I can't remember where I first saw a card where the beer stamp was embossed. I used my Stamp-a-ma-jig to position the stamps, stamped it in versamark & then embossed in white. I love this Urban Garden paper & the colours from it. It is great for masculine cards.

Need to come up with an idea for Keesh's latest challenge. It's quite a challenge.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

It's been a busy fortnight. On top of my normal 80 hours of night duty I've also taught 14 hours of antenatal classes. I really enjoy teaching the groups but am exhausted by the end. It hasn't left much time for stamping either. Until I get some new cards made & photographed I thought I'd show some others that I found pics of the other day.

This first one is one that I made for my cousin. I inked up 'Eastern Blooms' in 2 different coloured marker pens and then coloured the centres once it was stamped. I used rub-ons (now retired) for the sentiment. They were so easy to use. These are not my usual colours but I was pleased with the outcome.

The second card shows how easy it is to quickly make a card using the IB & C for inspiration. this is a CASE of the card on the front cover. I fell in love with this stamp set 'Thoughts & Prayers' as soon as I saw it. It has two lovely designs & very thoughtful sentiments. It is great for inking with markers.

Monday, August 10, 2009

July - September is chock full of birthdays amongst my family & friends. I spent a lovely day yesterday making cards, mixed in with a bit of washing & cleaning. For the first one, I CASEd a card from p13 of the IB&C, changing the stamp set, papers and colours. I embossed images from the 'Upsy Daisy' stamp set with white embossing powder on 'Baja Breeze Patterns' DSP. I was quite happy with how it turned out. The pearls are from Kaisercraft, they have a great range of stick on half pearls & gems.

I CASEd the 2nd card from Teneale Williams, though her card is stunning. I do not know how she does such perfect bows. I changed the colours around, as my friend really likes blues. I used the 'Great Friend' stamp set & the co-ordinating 'Summer Love' rub-ons, also from the new mini. Don't know how I'll cope come November, when the mini is no more. I went looking for my clear buttons when I saw my box of 'Build-Brads' (B-a-B), so went with that instead. I stamped the little heart from 'Cheep Talk' for the image. I love B-a-B, such a great idea.

I made another card for a very good male friend who is turning 40 soon (I keep telling him how old he is, but he is really only 10.5 months older than me). I won't show it yet as my friend, & upline, is also very good friends with Ian & I don't want to spoil it. Will have to remember to show it in September. Still have to make another male card yet, as my group of mates are holding a 3-1 birthday night out next week. Better get shopping too!

Must go & get ready as am back at work tonight. Hoping for a 'not too crazy' shift.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Cleaning can wait LOL. I couldn't resist having another go at Stacey's Curtain Call Challenge #2. See the post below for the inspiration pic.

Here they are. I still wasn't so happy with my next attempt, using the gorgeous Echoes of Kindness hostess stamp set. I loved this stamp set as soon as I saw it but can't seem to ever do it justice.

I then took inspiration from this card by the very talented Sarah-Jane Kale. I love her work & was thus much happier with this attempt. I've used the Great Friend stamp set & paper from the Walk in the Park DSP pack. Now maybe I can get on with the housework...

I've had a go at Stacey's Curtain Call Challenge but I must be honest, I've made a truly ugly card. Just can't get the colours right. Might have to have another go later. The Inspiration picture is really nice, looks like something my Mum would really like. I have not done it justice. Will show it anyway.

Back again! I've become hooked on Keesh's challenges. She is phenomenally talented and a lovely, lovely lady as well. Check out her blog & see how she and some fellow SU demoes just raised over $4000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. How awesome is that?

Anyway, I was really scared by the colours in this challenge at first, but I had so much fun that I made 2 cards, all after spending a day teaching my class. I am so blessed, what a great group they were, makes it more fun than work.

Anyway, here are the colours:

I was lost for ideas at first, so stood staring at my, considerable, stamp collection. "Cheep Talk" caught my eye & I thought the colours might work. I CASEd the layout from the front cover of the current IB&C. This is what i came up with -

I was quite happy with it, but the I saw the retired set "Summer by the Sea" and I wondered if it would work with these colours. In hindsight, I think one of the cards in last years IB&C might be in similar soft tones. I really like water colouring, and SU's watercolour paper is fabulous. Another friend's daughter is having her 10th b'day soon (see why I need so many kid related stamp sets even though I don't have kids???) so I decided this could be her card. I was actually pretty stoked with how it turned out.

I stamped the image in black Stazon ink and then outlined the image with my Stampin Up markers (love these!!!), before filling in the colours with my aquapainter & inks. I used the same DSP as before (Washington Apple). I stamped the '10' with a retired stamp set "whimsical numbers", covered the numbers in Crystal Effects & then sprinkled it with Dazzling Diamonds. I do love a bit of sparkle on a girl's card. I'll put the recipe below.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

I've had a bit of a play with the 1st card I made for Mojo Monday #98 in this post here. I've just added a lighter circle for the smaller part of the clock face. it is Very Vanilla CS, inked & sponged in Chocolate Chip. I think it gives it a bit of a lift. What do you think?

I've also made some cards for Keesh's latest Colour Challenge, #11. I'm going to put it in a separate post to make it easier to link.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Its been another busy week. I don't know how women with families work full-time, I have a hard enough time with just me to look after. I had a bit of a play around this week in the moments between waking & getting ready for work. I made a card for Karen's Sweet Sunday sketch #29 but just realised I've missed the deadline. Silly me, thought I had til Sunday. Wasn't very pleased with it, couldn't translate idea in my head to paper (a recurring problem, LOL). Anyway, here is the sketch:

And here is the card. I've used The lovely Raspberry Tart papers & a stamp set from the US called "Simple Friendship" which I bought before becoming a demo. I love it, just not so much on this card. I also used a Kiwi Kiss corduroy button from the new Spring Mini.

I also decided to have a go at this weeks Mojo Monday. I bought the new "Sense of Time" stamp set, also in the Spring Mini. I've been hoping for another circular sketch so that I could use it. As Father's day is less than a month away, I thought I'd try something blokey. This is the sketch:

My first attempt is all browns & a bit 'vintagey'. I used Kraft & Chocolate Chip CS & some DSP from the Windsor Knot pack. I've added the jumbo eyelets, instead of a bow, as I think they look rather masculine & like something from Dad's shed. However it seemed a bit too monochromatic and blah. I did some paper piercing and added 'faux' (aka fake, lol) stitching in an attempt to echo the ribbon & lighten it up, but still wasn't 100% happy.

Anyway, after I got up today (about 2 hrs later than planned, my body didn't think 4 hrs sleep was enough, I don't know why??) I had another go. I used the same stamp set but different colours. What do you think? Is the ribbon too 'girly'? I do prefer this card, but then I am very fond of this DSP from the Urban Garden pack, I think the colours are great. I've used (Whisper White (WW), Basic Grey, Nit Quite Navy, Baja Breeze & Kiwi Kiss CS. I've distressed the edges & swiped with the ink pads to make it a bit grungy. The ribbons are Baja Breeze & Night of Navy grosgrain. I am becoming a ribbon addict, though just realised when I bought the smaller ribbon that I have once again confused Not Quite Navy & Night of Navy, duh. (Must show you one day the great ribbon holder Mum & Dad made me).

Well that's it for today (thank goodness, you say). I am teaching a Parenting Education (also known as Antenatal Education) class tomorrow so better go & finish preparing. I really enjoy my classes despite them being a long day at the end of a full week. meeting the couples is good fun.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Apologies to those who have already seen this card on Keesh's website. One of her recent challenges was an Inspiration Challenge, where Keesh puts a pic up on her blog and participants use it as the basis for creating. This was the image:

I really liked the print on the wall, the colours and images were so soft & pretty, plus it made me think of Venice (not quite sure why??). I decided to reach for Purely Pomegranate, a favourite of the retired in-colours from last year, & Pink Pirouette.

Warning - long-winded explanation follows!!

First I stamped 'Upsy Daisy' in Purely Pomegranate ink onto Whisper White card stock, & then, using my 'stamp-a-ma-jig', I re-stamped the image in Versamark ink & clear embossed it. I decided to break out my brayer. I rubbed it over my Pink Pirouette ink pad & then 'splodged' the brayer with my Regal Rose stamping spot before running it over my stamped image. I also sponged on some So Saffron ink, generally, and within a mask to create the sun. Finally I stamped the sentiment in black and matted it with black card stock. i made the base from Card stock & DSP and added ribbon & non-SU pearls. I was pretty happy with the outcome & think I should try brayer-ing again sometime. It was so much fun to make this card.

I've got a cold and am not up for much tonight. I'm off to read some more of Jodie Piccoult's "My Sister's Keeper". I'm sure I'm one of the last people to get around to it, but wanted to read it before seeing the movie. Working in Midwifery, the whole subject of genetic engineering is intriguing, and a little frightening.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

I'm really enjoying playing around with challenges lately (you might have noticed, LOL) so while my desk was still in a mess I thought I'd have a go at the latest Mojo Monday challenge (click on the link to view the other entries). Here is the sketch:

And here is my interpretation of it.

As you can see, I've used another of the Papertrey Ink (PTI) 'Tea for Two' stamps. This one is a plain outline, perfect for paper piecing. Aren't these papers just beautiful? I first saw them used on Splitcoast & fell in love with them. I even sent a message to SU Australia pleading to please bring them out in a mini-catalogue. How excited was I when the catty came out & the papers were there? I think the floral makes the teapot look a bit like porcelain. Making this card made me realise that i really need to get the 'Photo Corners' punch (p152 IB&C), I cut these out by hand & it took more time & effort than I expected, lots of measuring. All in all, I'm pretty pleased with the card, mainly because I just love seeing these papers!

Anyway, I better go and get ready, need to get a gift for the friend who I made the card for in the previous post. Debating whether to buy something or make her a necklace. She looks fabulous in blue, so might go with the jewellery idea. Thanks for visiting,

Fi xox

PS I didn't realise how much this was like Lee-Anne's card until I'd made it.

I made this card for a friend whose birthday is coming up, she doesn't know about my blog yet so it shouldn't give it away.

I bought some stamps sets from Papertrey Ink recently. I love images of teapots and when I saw this set "Tea for Two" I just had to have it. I am a mad tea drinker, I rarely have a coffee (& when I do it is a 'half-strength latte with caramel syrup', I call it whoosey coffee). This set has a variety of teapots and tea related sentiments. When I saw this one I immediately thought it would go so well with the 'Walk in the Park' DSP. This is my first attempt at putting them together and I'm pretty happy with the result. I CASEd the layout from this card on Splitcoast.

I've just made another card using this stamp set so I will try and get it posted today. Have a great day,

Fi xox

PS If you want to see some gorgeous cards and boxes made with this stamp set see Lee-Anne's blog here.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

This is my entry for Keesh's latest challenge. I'll show you the sketch first. It's a bit of a doozy.

Here's the card:

Now, I've used another of the new stamps sets from the Spring Mini. As soon as i saw it I knew I'd have to get it, especially as so many of my friends have little boys. It is called Choo Choo, and the tracks are actually a separate Stampin Around wheel, how cute is that. This is for my cousin's little lad, Byron, he turns 2 in September. I hope he likes it. Once again, I've turned a sketch on it's side. That way the green semi-circle could almost be a bit hill-ish. I've used the new single "Happy Birthday to you!" stamp, it is only$13.95. I've also used a chipboard '2' and covered it (and half my table) in orange supernova fine glitter. It is so much fun to play with.

I've been playing with some of the great new products Stampin Up! have put out in the new Spring Catty. I'm still a shameless CASE-er of cards, still need some inspiration to get the mojo going. As you'll see below, I CASEd the first card from here, where Chat has made some fabulous cards using the new stamp set "Great Friend". I've also used the new DSP "Walk in the Park". The sentiment is from new "Oval All" stamp set, I love how it perfectly fits the large oval punch, & the new Scallop Oval Punch. One of the best thing about using SU products is how everything goes together, a real 'one-stop shop'. The Corduroy buttons/brads are also new, aren't they lovely? As I said, this new catty is chock-a-block with beautiful new products to play with.

This 2nd card I made out of my own head (though I think I've seen a bunch of similar layouts on Splitcoast). Now you can see why I CASE, LOL. I think its a bit busy, but these are such pretty colours. They are rather 'springy', and with such sunny days of late it is easy forget we're still in the middle of winter.

I might have a bit more of a play yet. I have been making a card for Keesh's latest challenge, might have that to show you tomorrow. Better go & make the most of this glorious day off,

Hi, just a quick post to tell you about the exciting launch of Stampin Up!'s new Spring Mini catalogue (or catty as we call it). I have placed a link to the side where you can download a pdf file of the catalogue, or, if you email me I will post you one. It is full of the most gorgeous stamps, papers & embellishments, I've nearly bought all the product (blushing). I hope to pop back here later tonight with some cards to show you.

About Me

Fiona Harrison

I am a midwife who likes to decompress by watching rubbish tv, especially crime shows, reading, and crafting. I love to travel when my budget allows.
I also enjoy making body butters, lotions & soaps and making cards using stamps, inks and lots of pretty things. I am also a recent devotee of instagram.